Is it a cold or allergies? Find out what the experts have to say.

Ground-level ozone and other air pollutants can trigger asthma flare-ups. But there are steps you can take to minimize your child's exposure.

Millions of Americans, including many kids, have an allergy. Find out how allergies are diagnosed and how to keep them under control.

Explore more than 20 articles in English and Spanish about all aspects of allergies in children.

Many kids battle allergies year-round, and some can't control their symptoms with medications. For them, allergy shots (or allergen immunotherapy) can be beneficial.

Find out what the experts have to say.

Kids who have celiac disease, a disorder that makes their bodies react to gluten, can't eat certain kinds of foods. Find out more - including what foods are safe and where to find them.

Allergies don't cause asthma, but kids who have allergies are more likely to get asthma.

Eczema can be an itchy nuisance and cause scratching that makes the problem worse. Fortunately, more than half of the kids who have eczema today will be over it by the time they're teenagers.

Helping your child manage an egg allergy means reading food labels carefully, being aware of what he or she eats, and carrying the right medicines in case of an allergic reaction.

Families of kids with allergies should use environmental control measures that reduce exposure to the child's allergy triggers. Here's how to begin.

Fish allergy can cause a serious reaction. Find out how to keep kids safe.

Being prepared for an allergy emergency will help you, your child, and other caregivers respond in the event of a serious reaction.

Food allergies can cause serious and even deadly reactions in kids, so it's important to know how to feed a child with food allergies and to prevent reactions.

Find more than 30 articles in English and Spanish about all aspects of food allergies in children.

With preparation and education, a child with a food allergy can stay safe at school.

Most kids who develop this inflammation of the blood vessels (marked by a raised red and purple rash) make a full recovery and have no long-term problems.

Has your child broken out in welts? It could be a case of the hives. Learn how to soothe itchy bumps and help your child feel better.

Food labels can help you spot allergens your child must avoid. Find out more.

Insect sting allergies can cause serious reactions. Find out how to keep kids safe.

Kawasaki disease is most common among children of Japanese and Korean descent, but can affect all ethnic groups. The first symptom is a high fever that lasts for at least 5 days.

Milk allergy can cause serious reactions. Find out how to keep kids safe.

Almost all infants are fussy at times. But some are very fussy because they have an allergy to the protein in cow's milk, which is the basis for most commercial baby formulas.

If your child is allergic to nuts or peanuts, it's essential to learn what foods might contain them and how to avoid them.

About 60% to 80% of all people get a reaction to poison ivy. Check out this article for tips on what to do and how to avoid poison ivy.

Psoriasis causes skin cells to build up on the surface of the skin where they form itchy, red patches and thick scales. Find out what causes psoriasis and how to help your child deal with it.

At various times of the year, pollen and mold spores trigger the cold-like symptoms associated with seasonal allergies. Most kids find relief through reduced exposure to allergens or with medicines.

Kids with severe allergies can be at risk for a sudden, serious allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. The good news is that when treated properly, anaphylaxis can be managed.

Severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) is an immune deficiency that can be successfully treated if it's identified early.

Shellfish allergy can cause serious reactions. Find out common symptoms of allergic reactions and how to respond.

Soy is found in many foods and it's a common food allegy. Find out how to help kids with an allergy stay safe.

Stem cells help rebuild a weakened immune system. Stem cell transplants are effective treatments for a wide range of diseases, including cancer.

Oral allergy syndrome can cause an itchy mouth and throat. Find out more.

A scratch or skin prick test is a common way doctors find out more about a person's allergies.

Food allergies and food intolerances, like lactose intolerance, are not the same. Find out more.

Wheat allergy can cause serious reactions. Find out how to help kids with an allergy stay safe.

The chronic condition fibromyalgia causes widespread pain in the muscles, joints, and other areas of the body. Lifestyle changes and other strategies can help kids who have it feel better.

Most kids who develop this inflammation of the blood vessels (marked by a raised red and purple rash) make a full recovery and have no long-term problems.

Jumper's knee is an inflammation or injury of the patellar tendon. Although it can seem minor, it's actually a serious condition that can get worse over time and ultimately require surgery if not treated.

In juvenile idiopathic arthritis (also called juvenile rheumatoid arthritis)), a person can develop swollen, warm, and painful joints. Learn more.

Lupus is known as an autoimmune disease in which a person's immune system mistakenly works against the body's own tissues.

Asthma makes it hard to breathe. But with treatment, the condition can be managed so that kids can still do the things they love. Learn all about asthma.

Asthma keeps more kids home from school than any other chronic illness. Learn how to help your child manage the condition, stay healthy, and stay in school.

Find out how to deal with — and help prevent — asthma flare-ups ("attacks"), which is when asthma symptoms get worse.

Asthma medicine comes in two main types: quick-relief and long-term control medicines. Even if a child takes a long-term control medicine regularly, quick-relief medicine is still needed to handle flare-ups.

Triggers — things in the air, weather conditions, or activities — can cause asthma flare-ups. By knowing and avoiding triggers, you'll help lessen your child's asthma symptoms.

Kids and teens who have asthma can and do play sports. But some activities are better than others - find out more.

Sometimes, the weather can affect a child's asthma symptoms. Here are some tips for dealing with it.

If your child has asthma, you can create the best home environment possible by knowing about asthma triggers and eliminating or minimizing exposure to them.

Do pets make your child's allergies or asthma worse? Here's how to handle it.

Some people have exercise-induced asthma, which means that their asthma symptoms (such as coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath) are triggered by exercise or physical activity.

Many kids with asthma have symptoms when they exercise. But with careful management, they usually can do anything their peers can do.

Because they can be life threatening, asthma flare-ups can and should be treated at their earliest stages. So it's important to recognize their early warning signs.

Nebulizers and inhalers deliver asthma medicine to the lungs, and they work equally well when the correct technique is used.

Asthma control can take a little time and energy to master, but it's worth the effort. Learn more about ways to manage your child's asthma.

Find out what the experts have to say.

Asthma flare-ups are the main reason kids with asthma miss school. But well-managed asthma is far less likely to result in a sick day.

With some careful planning, kids with asthma can enjoy all the benefits of a trip away from home.

Find out how these asthma tools help kids take their medicines.

An inexpensive, portable device called a peak flow meter measures lung function in kids with asthma, which can help them manage the condition and avoid major flare-ups.

Find out how this written plan can help you care for your child with asthma.

If your child has asthma, find out when you need to go to the ER.

Remember the biology class you had in high school? Well, maybe you don't or maybe now that you have a child, your interest in how the body works has grown.

Blood is vital to bodily function. Read this article for the basics about blood, blood cells, blood diseases, and more.

Without bones, muscles, and joints, we couldn't stand, walk, run, or even sit. The musculoskeletal system supports our bodies, protects our organs from injury, and enables movement.

The brain controls everything we do, and is often likened to the central computer within a vast, complicated communication network, working at lightning speed.

The digestive process starts even before the first bite of food. Find out more about the digestive system and how our bodies break down and absorb the food we eat.

Although we rarely think about them, the glands of the endocrine system and the hormones they release influence almost every cell, organ, and function of our bodies.

The eyes are small compared with most of the body's other organs, but their structure is incredibly complex. Learn more about eyes, vision, and common problems with both.

Learning about the female reproductive system, what it does, and the problems that can affect it can help you better understand your daughter's reproductive health.

The heart and circulatory system are our body's lifeline, delivering blood to the body's tissues. Brush up on your ticker with this body basics article.

The immune system, composed of special cells, proteins, tissues, and organs that protect against germs and microorganisms, is the body's defense against disease.

The bean-shaped kidneys, each about the size of a child's fist, perform several functions essential to health. Their most important role is to filter blood and produce urine.

By the time we're 70 years old, we will have taken at least 600 million breaths. All of this breathing couldn't happen without the respiratory system.

Understanding the male reproductive system, what it does, and problems that can affect it can help you better understand your son's reproductive health.

Brush up on metabolism basics - including common metabolic disorders - in this article.

Our mouth and teeth play an important role in our daily lives. Here's a course on the basics - including common problems of the mouth and teeth.

Our skin protects the network of tissues, muscles, bones, nerves, blood vessels, and everything else inside our bodies. Hair and nails are actually modified types of skin.

The lymphatic system is an extensive drainage network that helps keep bodily fluid levels in balance and defends the body against infections.

ACL injuries - which can happen in active and athletic kids - happen when excessive pressure is put on the knee joint, resulting in a torn ligament.

Becker muscular dystrophy is a genetic disorder that gradually makes the body's muscles weaker and smaller. It causes less severe problems than the most common type of MD, Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

Blount disease is a growth disorder that causes the bones of the lower leg to bow outward. This gets worse if it's not treated, so early diagnosis is very important.

Learn about broken collarbones (or clavicle fractures), a common sports injury in kids, including how to help prevent them.

Casts keep bones and other tissues in place while they heal. Here's what to expect, and how to care for casts.

Cervical kyphosis is a curve at the top of the spine (backbone). Usually, the condition isn't serious, but a pinch in the spinal cord can cause nerve damage.

Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT) is a neurological disorder. It causes muscle weakness and numbness, most commonly in the arms and legs.

Pectus carinatum, sometimes called pigeon chest, is a deformity of the chest wall in which the chest juts out.

Pectus excavatum is a deformity of the chest wall that causes several ribs and the breastbone to grow abnormally, giving the chest a "caved-in" appearance.

Poland syndrome is a condition where a child is born with missing or underdeveloped chest muscles.

CLOVES syndrome is a very rare genetic disorder that causes vascular, skin, spinal, and bone or joint abnormalities.

Clubfoot is a birth defect that makes one or both of a baby's feet point down and turn in. Most clubfeet can be successfully corrected using the nonsurgical Ponseti method.

Flatfeet, toe walking, pigeon toes, bowlegs, and knock-knees. Lots of kids have these common orthopedic conditions, but are they medical problems that can and should be corrected?

This type of chest pain may seem scary at first, but it's usually nothing to worry about. Most kids begin to feel better on their own after a few days.

Babies are born with this hip deformity or develop it soon after birth. With early treatent, kids can avoid long-term hip problems.

Duchenne muscular dystrophy is the most common form of muscular dystrophy. It gradually makes the body's muscles weaker.

Dwarfism is a condition that is characterized by short stature. Many of the possible complications of dwarfism are treatable, so that people of short stature can lead healthy, active lives.

External fixators used for limb lengthening have pins that go through the skin and into the bone. It's important to know how to care for the pins at home to prevent infections.

The chronic condition fibromyalgia causes widespread pain in the muscles, joints, and other areas of the body. Lifestyle changes and other strategies can help kids who have it feel better.

Babies who have fibular hemimelia are born with a short or missing fibula. Experts who treat bone problems have several options to help kids with a hemimelia.

Getting a cast often comes with plenty of questions. Read on for answers to some frequent inquiries many parents - and kids - may have about casts.

Ganglion cysts are lumps that, most commonly, appear on the back of the wrist. These cysts are not cancerous and are easily treated.

Injuries to growth plates, which produce new bone tissue and determine the final length and shape of bones in adulthood, must be treated so that bones heal properly.

Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is a rare medical condition that affects the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord. Luckily, most people who get GBS recover.

Broken bones have an amazing ability to heal, especially in kids. Full healing can take time, but new bone usually forms a few weeks after an injury.

Kids of any age can have idiopathic scoliosis, but it's usually found when a child begins going through puberty. Find out more about the signs of and treatment for idiopathic scoliosis.

What is in-toeing and how will it affect your child? Find out what the experts have to say.

An incentive spirometer trains people to take slow, deep breaths. It's used during recovery from some types of surgery or as a way to manage illness. Find out how it works.

Babies with this condition have trouble turning their heads, due to muscle tightness. Simple stretching exercises and physical therapy can help babies get better.

Jumper's knee is an inflammation or injury of the patellar tendon. Although it can seem minor, it's actually a serious condition that can get worse over time and ultimately require surgery if not treated.

Knee injuries are common among young athletes. Learn about causes, treatments, and prevention.

Everyone's spine is slightly rounded forward at a gentle angle. If this angle is too pronounced, more than 50 degrees or so, it's called kyphosis, also known as roundback or hunchback.

Leg length discrepancy is when someone’s legs are different lengths. For a big difference or one that's likely to get worse, treatment is recommended.

Kids with limb deformities have differences in the way their arms or legs are shaped. Some don't need treatment, For those that do, doctors have different options.

Limb lengthening surgery is done when someone has a leg length discrepancy (one leg is shorter than the other). Sometimes this is treated with an external fixator.

Limb lengthening surgery is done when someone has a leg length discrepancy (one leg is shorter than the other). Sometimes this is treated with an internal lengthening device (a rod with a magnet).

Marfan syndrome affects the body's connective tissue and can cause problems in the eyes, joints, and heart. Even though the disease has no cure, doctors can successfully treat just about all of its symptoms.

MCL injuries can happen in active and athletic kids, when excessive pressure is put on the knee joint, resulting in a torn ligament.

Muscular dystrophy is a disorder that weakens a person's muscles over time. People who have the disease can gradually lose the ability to do everyday tasks.

Young kids are at risk for a common injury known as nursemaid's elbow, which is easy for a doctor to fix. To help prevent it, never swing or lift a child by the lower arm, hands, or wrists.

Osgood-Schlatter disease (OSD) is one of the most common causes of knee pain in adolescents. It's really not a disease, but an overuse injury.

Osteogenesis imperfecta (or brittle bone disease) prevents the body from building strong bones. People with OI have bones that might break easily.

Osteomyelitis is a bone infection that can happen when germs enter an open wound. The easiest way to prevent it is to keep skin clean.

Panner's disease is a rare but painful bone condition linked to overuse of the elbow. Even though recovery can be slow, the condition usually doesn't cause any long-term problems.

Pectus carinatum, sometimes called pigeon chest, is when the chest juts out. Sometimes it's treated by wearing a brace.

The Nuss procedure is a surgery to correct severe pectus excavatum. It’s considered "minimally invasive" because only a few small incisions are needed.

Health care providers sometimes suggest that kids use a vacuum bell to help correct pectus excavatum, a condition that causes a caved-in chest.

Scoliosis makes a person’s spine curve from side to side. Large curves can cause health problems like pain or breathing trouble. Health care providers treat scoliosis with back braces or surgery when needed.

Some kids with scoliosis wear a brace to help stop their curve from getting worse as they grow. Find out more about the different types of scoliosis braces.

Sever's disease, a common heel injury in kids, is due to inflammation (swelling) of the growth plate in the heel. While painful, it's only temporary and has no long-term effects.

Find out what the experts have to say.

Slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) is a shift at the upper part of the thighbone, or femur, that results in a weakened hip joint. Fortunately, when caught early, most cases of SCFE can be treated successfully.

A spinal fusion is a surgical procedure that's done to stabilize or straighten the bones in the back. It can help kids and teens with scoliosis.

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a condition that causes muscle weakness and atrophy. There's no cure, but therapy and other treatments can help most people who have SMA.

A teen athlete talks about why he won't let his condition take him out of the game.

Spondylolisthesis happens when a bone in the back slips forward and out of place. In kids and teens, it’s a common cause of lower back pain.

Spondylolysis is a very common cause of lower back pain in kids, teens, and young adults. It usually heals quickly with rest and other nonsurgical treatments.

Correcting your child’s clubfoot begins with a series of casts and ends with a brace. Here's how to help your child wear it successfully.

The Ponseti method to treat clubfoot is done in two phases – the casting phase gradually moves the foot to the correct position, and the bracing phase makes sure it stays there. Learn about bracing.

The Ponseti method to treat clubfoot is done in two phases – the casting phase gradually moves the foot to the correct position, and the bracing phase makes sure it stays there. Learn about casting.

The Ravitch procedure is a surgery to correct severe pectus carinatum and pectus excavatum.

Torticollis is a common condition that causes a stiff neck or neck pain that makes it difficult for kids to turn their heads.

Find out what the experts have to say.

Much like a fiberglass cast holds a broken arm or leg in place, a "halo" with vest holds a child's head and neck in place after a spinal injury so that spinal bones can heal.

Learn about complications of viral infections and conditions that can affect the face and nervous system.

Abusive head trauma (AHT) is the leading cause of death in child abuse cases in the United States. AHT results from injuries caused by someone vigorously shaking an infant.

Asperger syndrome (AS) is a kind of autism. Most kids with AS are on the "high-functioning” end of the autism spectrum, and early intervention services can help many of them.

Bell's palsy is a temporary weakness or paralysis of the muscles on one side of the face. Though it can be alarming, it typically goes away in a matter of weeks.

Kids with benign rolandic epilepsy of childhood (BREC) have seizures that involve twitching, numbness, or tingling of the face or tongue.

These cancers are the most common type of cancer in children. When discovered early, they often can be cured.

Brain tumors are the second most common group of childhood cancers. Treatment requires a very specialized plan involving a team of medical specialists.

Cerebral palsy (CP) is one of the most common congenital disorders of childhood. This article explains causes, diagnosis, prevention, treatment, and more.

Many kids with this brain condition aren't bothered by it. Those who have symptoms can often find relief with medicines or surgery.

Kids with childhood absence epilepsy (CAE) have seizures where they "blank out" for a few seconds. Most kids will outgrow CAE.

The term concussion conjures up the image of a child knocked unconscious while playing sports. But concussions can happen with any head injury, often without any loss of consciousness.

Epilepsy causes electrical signals in the brain to misfire, which can lead to multiple seizures. Anyone can get epilepsy at any age, but most new diagnoses are in kids.

Epilepsy surgery is an operation done on the brain to reduce or stop seizures.

Febrile seizures are full-body convulsions caused by high fevers that affect young kids. Although they can be frightening, they usually stop on their own and don't cause any other health problems.

If a woman drinks alcohol during her pregnancy, her baby could be born with fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS), which causes a wide range of physical, behavioral, and learning problems.

Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is a rare medical condition that affects the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord. Luckily, most people who get GBS recover.

Headaches affect kids as well as adults. Learn about common causes and when to talk to a doctor.

Often called "water on the brain," hydrocephalus can cause babies' and young children's heads to swell to make room for excess cerebrospinal fluid. Learn how this condition is managed.

Infantile spasms (IS) is a seizure disorder in babies. The spasms usually go away by age 4, but many babies with IS will have other kinds of epilepsy later.

Intractable epilepsy is when a child's seizures can't be controlled by medicines. Doctors may recommend surgery or other treatments for intractable seizures.

Find out what the experts have to say.

Kids with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (JME) have one or more of several different kinds of seizures, which begin around the age of puberty.

A ketogenic diet is a strict high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet that can reduce, and sometimes stop, seizures.

Long-term exposure to lead can cause serious health problems, particularly in young kids, so it's important to find out whether your child might be at risk for lead exposure.

Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS) is a seizure disorder. Children with LGS have several different kinds of seizures.

Lyme disease can affect the skin, joints, nervous system, and other organ systems. If diagnosed quickly and treated with antibiotics, Lyme disease in kids is almost always treatable.

Neurocutaneous syndromes are genetic disorders that lead to tumor growth in various parts of the body. Learn how to maximize the quality of life for children with these diseases.

Neurofibromatosis (NF) can cause tumors to grow on nerve tissue, producing skin and bone abnormalities. Learn more about NF, including how it's diagnosed and treated.

When their son was diagnosed with autism at age 3, Paige and Iain were devastated. Since then, Lochlan has gotten the treatment and services he needs, and is learning about the world around him. Read their story.

Spina bifida is a birth defect that involves the incomplete development of the spinal cord or its coverings. It's usually detected before a baby is born and treated right away.

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a condition that causes muscle weakness and atrophy. There's no cure, but therapy and other treatments can help most people who have SMA.

This "brain attack" happens when blood flow to the brain stops, even for a brief second. Signs and symptoms of strokes in kids are similar to those in adults.

Kids with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) have seizures that start in one of the temporal lobes of the brain. Seizures usually get better with medicine.

Tourette syndrome is a condition that causes uncontrolled sudden, repetitive muscle movements and sounds known as tics.

Tuberous sclerosis is a condition that causes the growth of benign tumors. Symptoms can range from mild to severe.

Find out what the experts have to say.

ALL is the most common type of leukemia, affecting nearly 75% of kids who have this cancer of the blood cells. With treatment, most recover.

Among kids with leukemia, 20% have this form of the blood cancer. With treatment, most recover.

These cancers are the most common type of cancer in children. When discovered early, they often can be cured.

Brain tumors are the second most common group of childhood cancers. Treatment requires a very specialized plan involving a team of medical specialists.

From treatments and prevention to coping with the emotional aspects of cancer, the Cancer Center provides comprehensive information that parents need.

Chemotherapy medications are used to treat cancer throughout the body by killing actively dividing cells. Learn more about chemo.

Different kinds of childhood cancer have different signs, symptoms, treatments, and outcomes. But today, over 80% of all children with cancer live 5 years or more.

While this type of blood cancer is more common in adults, it affects children, too. Thanks to advances in therapy, most kids with CML can be cured.

While some cancer treatments have little to no effect on reproductive health, others are more likely cause temporary or permanent infertility.

This type of cancer mainly affects adolescents and usually develops in the arms, legs, ribs, spinal column, and pelvis. With early diagnosis and treatment, many kids with Ewing sarcoma have a good chance of recovery.

Germ cell tumors, which can be cancerous or noncancerous, occur when cells in a developing fetus develop abnormally.

Hodgkin lymphoma is a type of cancer that affects the lymphatic system.

Learn about this type of blood cancer that usually affects kids under 2 years old.

Leukemia refers to cancers of the white blood cells (also called leukocytes or WBCs). With the proper treatment, the outlook for kids who are diagnosed with leukemia is quite good.

Treatment for these abnormal growths (which can be cancerous or noncancerous) may involve surgery, chemotherapy, and/or radiation.

Lymphoma is cancer that begins in the body's lymphatic tissue. It's a common type of cancer in children, but most recover from it.

Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer. Find out how to lower your family's risk of getting melanoma and how doctors treat it.

Learn about neuroblastoma, a rare type of childhood cancer that develops in infants and young children.

Neurocutaneous syndromes are genetic disorders that lead to tumor growth in various parts of the body. Learn how to maximize the quality of life for children with these diseases.

Neurofibromatosis (NF) can cause tumors to grow on nerve tissue, producing skin and bone abnormalities. Learn more about NF, including how it's diagnosed and treated.

Certain cancers, or cancer treatment, can weaken the immune system, requiring a child to stay home to avoid exposure to germs. Here are ways to help your child make the best of it.

Osteosarcoma is the most common type of bone cancer. Boys are more likely to have osteosarcoma than girls, and most cases of osteosarcoma involve the knee.

Radiation therapy, also called radiotherapy, irradiation, or X-ray therapy, is one of the most common forms of cancer treatment.

Retinoblastoma is a childhood cancer that affects the retina, the area of the eye responsible for sensing light and sending nerve signals to the brain.

Rhabdomyosarcoma is a cancerous tumor that shows up in the body's soft tissues. With early diagnosis and timely treatment, most kids make a full recovery.

Side effects of cancer treatment can include fatigue or flu-like symptoms, hair loss, and blood clotting problems. After treatment ends, most side effects gradually go away.

Stem cells help rebuild a weakened immune system. Stem cell transplants are effective treatments for a wide range of diseases, including cancer.

Kids who have celiac disease, a disorder that makes their bodies react to gluten, can't eat certain kinds of foods. Find out more - including what foods are safe and where to find them.

Constipation is a very common problem among kids, and it usually occurs because a child's diet doesn't include enough fluids and fiber. In most cases, simple changes can help kids go.

Crohn's disease is a chronic condition that causes parts of the bowel to get red and swollen. The goal of treatment is to relieve symptoms, prevent other problems, and avoid flare-ups.

Most kids battle diarrhea from time to time, so it's important to know what to do to relieve and even prevent it.

When symptoms of heartburn or acid indigestion happen a lot, it could be gastroesophageal reflux (GER). And it can be a problem for kids - even newborns.

Children with Hirschsprung disease aren't able to pass a bowel movement, or do so with difficulty. Treatment almost always requires surgery.

Vaccines are safe to give to kids and teens with IBD and won't make their symptoms worse. Here are the ones they need.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) refers to two chronic diseases that cause intestinal inflammation: ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. Although they have features in common, there are some important differences.

Malrotation is a type of obstruction caused by abnormal development of the intestines while a fetus is in the womb. Find out more about this condition and the complications it can cause.

This bowel problem is the most common cause of bowel blockages in very young children. With timely treatment, kids recover quickly.

Many kids have lactose intolerance - trouble digesting lactose, the main sugar in milk and milk products - which can cause cramps, diarrhea, and gas.

Necrotizing enterocolitis is an intestinal disease that usually affects preemies. Medicines and therapy can help babies with NEC.

Pancreatitis is sometimes mistaken for a stomach virus because symptoms can include fever, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Symptoms usually get better on their own, but sometimes treatment is needed.

Many people think that spicy foods cause ulcers, but the truth is that bacteria are the main culprit. Learn more about peptic ulcers.

Pyloric stenosis can make a baby vomit forcefully and often. It can lead to serious problems like dehydration, and needs medical treatment right away.

If your child has bowel movements in places other than the toilet, you know how frustrating it can be. Many kids who soil beyond the years of toilet teaching have a condition known as encopresis.

Tapeworms are usually more upsetting to think about than to deal with. Tapeworm infections are rare in the United States, and they're usually easy to treat.

Most teens with Crohn's disease should transition to an adult health care provider when they're between 18 and 21 years old. Here's how parents can help them do that.

Most teens with IBD should transition to an adult health care provider when they're between 18 and 21 years old. Here's how parents can help them do that.

Most teens with ulcerative colitis should transition to an adult health care provider when they're between 18 and 21 years old. Here's how parents can help them do that.

Ulcerative colitis is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that happens only in the colon. It causes the inner lining of the colon to get red and swollen with sores called ulcers.

If your child needs a liver transplant, you're probably feeling lots of emotions. Fortunately, many kids who undergo liver transplants go on to live normal, healthy lives.

Learn about bullous myringitis, an infection of the tympanic membrane (eardrum).

An auditory brainstem response (ABR) test is a safe and painless test that gives health care providers information about possible hearing loss.

Kids with APD can't process what they hear as other kids do, because their ears and brain don't fully coordinate. But early diagnosis and therapy can improve their hearing skills.

Most kids stumble and fall from time to time, but a child who continually loses his or her balance might have a balance disorder.

Misuse of the vocal cords — caused by such things as repetitive screaming, yelling, or using the voice in an unnatural way — can lead to chronic hoarseness. Learn how to get the voice back into perfect pitch.

With this birth defect, tissues of the mouth or lip don't form properly when a baby is developing in the womb. The good news is that cleft lip and palate are treatable.

Sometimes called a "bionic ear," the cochlear implant can restore hearing for many kinds of hearing loss.

Ear injuries not only can affect a child's hearing, but sense of balance, too. That's because our ears also help keep us steady on our feet.

A "popped" eardrum is more than just painful - it can sometimes lead to hearing loss. Learn about eardrum injuries and how to prevent them.

Hearing may be the ears' main job, but it's not all they do. Learn all about the ears in this Body Basics article.

Often, tonsils and adenoids are surgically removed at the same time. Though some kids need surgery, enlarged adenoids are normal in others.

When 3-month-old Sam was diagnosed with profound hearing loss, his parents found comfort and hope when they learned that a cochlear implant could help Sam learn to hear. Follow the family's journey, from the diagnosis through surgery and beyond.

When 3-month-old Sam was diagnosed with profound hearing loss, his parents found hope when they learned that a cochlear implant might help Sam gain the ability to hear. Learn about their journey.

When 3-month-old Sam was diagnosed with profound hearing loss, his parents found hope when they learned that a cochlear implant might help Sam gain the ability to hear. Learn about their journey.

When 3-month-old Sam was diagnosed with profound hearing loss, his parents found hope when they learned that a cochlear implant might help Sam gain the ability to hear. Learn about their journey.

When 3-month-old Sam was diagnosed with profound hearing loss, his parents found hope when they learned that a cochlear implant might help Sam gain the ability to hear. Learn about their journey.

When 3-month-old Sam was diagnosed with profound hearing loss, his parents found hope when they learned that a cochlear implant could help Sam learn to hear. Follow their journey.

Find out what the experts have to say.

Find out what the experts have to say.

Many kids get middle ear infections (otitis media). Doctors may suggest ear tube surgery for those with multiple infections or a hearing loss or speech delay.

Learn about this side effect of taking certain medicines.

Older kids and teens with tonsilitis sometimes develop this painful abscess, a pus-filled tissue at the back of the mouth.

Working with a certified speech-language pathologist can help a child with speech or language difficulties.

Many young kids go through a stage when they stutter. Stuttering usually goes away on its own but in some cases lasts longer.

Not everyone knows what tonsils do or why they may need to be removed. Knowing the facts can help alleviate the fears of both parents and kids facing a tonsillectomy.

Failure to thrive refers to a child's inability to gain weight and grow as expected for kids of the same age and gender. Most diagnoses are made in the first few years of life.

Acanthosis nigricans (AN) is a condition that causes the skin to thicken and darken in places. AN is not harmful or contagious, but can be a sign of certain other medical conditions.

Parents want to protect their kids from everything, which is virtually impossible, of course. But can you prevent your child from getting diabetes?

Some babies are born with a thyroid gland that didn't develop correctly or doesn't work as it should. This is called congenital hypothyroidism.

Does your child have type 1 or type 2 diabetes? Learn how to manage the disease and keep your child healthy.

Most kids follow growth patterns that are normal, but others have ”failure to thrive” – they fail to gain weight as expected and have poor height growth.

An enlarged thyroid gland is a lump that can be felt under the skin at the front of the neck. When it's big enough to see easily, it's called a goiter. A thyroid nodule is a lump or enlarged area in the thyroid gland.

IUGR is when a baby in the womb doesn't grow at the expected rate during the pregnancy. Women with IUGR should eat a healthy diet; get enough sleep; and avoid alcohol, drugs, and tobacco.

Boys with this condition have an extra "X" chromosome that prevents them from developing normally during puberty. But hormone treatments, counseling, and other therapies can help.

Metabolic syndrome is a group of health problems that put kids at risk for heart disease and diabetes. With lifestyle changes, however, many kids are able to improve their health and reduce their risk of disease.

Pancreatitis is sometimes mistaken for a stomach virus because symptoms can include fever, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Symptoms usually get better on their own, but sometimes treatment is needed.

The thyroid gland manufactures the hormones that help control metabolism and growth. So if the thyroid isn't operating properly, there can be problems in other parts of the body.

Most teens with diabetes should transition to an adult health care provider when they're between 18 and 21 years old. Here's how parents can help them do that.

For kids diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, it's important to create a diabetes management plan to help them manage the condition and stay healthy and active.

Kids who are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes will need a diabetes management plan to help them manage the condition and stay healthy and active.

Every year in the United States, 13,000 children are diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. With some practical knowledge, you can become your child's most important ally in learning to live with the disease.

Learning what you can about type 2 diabetes will let you help your child manage and live with the disease. Here are the basics.

The other kids in the class have been getting taller and developing into young adults, but your child's growth seems to be lagging behind. Could a growth disorder be the cause?

Find out what the experts have to say.

Some birth defects are minor and cause no problems; others cause major disabilities. Learn about the different types of birth defects, and how to help prevent them.

Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT) is a neurological disorder. It causes muscle weakness and numbness, most commonly in the arms and legs.

CLOVES syndrome is a very rare genetic disorder that causes vascular, skin, spinal, and bone or joint abnormalities.

Some babies are born with a thyroid gland that didn't develop correctly or doesn't work as it should. This is called congenital hypothyroidism.

Down syndrome is a condition in which extra genetic material causes delays in the way a child develops, both physically and mentally.

Dwarfism is a condition that is characterized by short stature. Many of the possible complications of dwarfism are treatable, so that people of short stature can lead healthy, active lives.

An inherited condition, G6PD deficiency is when someone doesn't have enough of the enzyme G6PD, which protects red blood cells. Certain triggers can lead to anemia in kids who have G6PD deficiency.

An enlarged thyroid gland is a lump that can be felt under the skin at the front of the neck. When it's big enough to see easily, it's called a goiter. A thyroid nodule is a lump or enlarged area in the thyroid gland.

Hemophilia is a rare bleeding disorder that prevents the blood from clotting properly. With modern treatment, most kids who have it can lead full, healthy lives.

Wendy's daughter Madison was diagnosed with diabetes at age 5. Wendy tells how her daughter learned to manage her diabetes and stay an active and happy kid.

Boys with this condition have an extra "X" chromosome that prevents them from developing normally during puberty. But hormone treatments, counseling, and other therapies can help.

Marfan syndrome affects the body's connective tissue and can cause problems in the eyes, joints, and heart. Even though the disease has no cure, doctors can successfully treat just about all of its symptoms.

Muscular dystrophy is a disorder that weakens a person's muscles over time. People who have the disease can gradually lose the ability to do everyday tasks.

Neurocutaneous syndromes are genetic disorders that lead to tumor growth in various parts of the body. Learn how to maximize the quality of life for children with these diseases.

Neurofibromatosis (NF) can cause tumors to grow on nerve tissue, producing skin and bone abnormalities. Learn more about NF, including how it's diagnosed and treated.

Newborn screening tests look for harmful or potentially fatal disorders that aren't apparent at birth. Find out which tests are done and which disorders they're designed to detect.

Genetic counselors work with people who are either planning to have a baby or are pregnant to determine whether they carry the genes for certain inherited disorders. Find out more.

A baby with Tay-Sachs disease is born without an important enzyme, so fatty proteins build up in the brain, hurting the baby's sight, hearing, movement, and mental development.

The thyroid gland manufactures the hormones that help control metabolism and growth. So if the thyroid isn't operating properly, there can be problems in other parts of the body.

Treacher Collins syndrome (TCS) refers to a group of facial features that some babies are born with. TCS causes distinctive abnormalities of the head and face, but doesn't affect intelligence or lifespan.

Triple X syndrome (also known as XXX syndrome, 47,XXX, and trisomy X) is a genetic condition found in girls only. Girls who have it may be taller than average, but the symptoms can vary greatly.

Tuberous sclerosis is a condition that causes the growth of benign tumors. Symptoms can range from mild to severe.

Girls with Turner syndrome, a genetic condition, usually are shorter than average and infertile due to early loss of ovarian function. Early diagnosis and treatments can help most of them.

Epigenetics - the idea that environmental factors can change the health not only of the people who are exposed to them, but also the health of their descendants - is something we'll be hearing more about.

XYY syndrome is a rare genetic condition that affects only males. Boys who have it may be taller than average, but the symptoms can vary greatly.

Learn about genetic disorders and diseases and conditions that affect the blood.

Alpha thalassemia is a blood disorder in which the body has a problem producing alpha globin, a component of hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that transports oxygen throughout the body.

Anemia happens when there aren't enough healthy red blood cells in the body. It can be caused by many things, including dietary problems, medical treatments, and inherited conditions.

Aortic stenosis means the aortic valve is too small, narrow, or stiff. Many people have no symptoms, but kids with more severe cases will need surgery so that blood flows properly through the body.

Arrhythmias are abnormal heart rhythms usually caused by an electrical "short circuit" in the heart. Many are minor and not a health threat, but some can indicate a more serious problem.

An arteriovenous malformation (AVM) is an abnormal connection between an artery and a vein. Large AVMs or multiple AVMs usually needs medical treatment.

Atrial septal defect (ASD) — also known as a "hole in the heart" — is a type of congenital heart defect. Most ASDs are diagnosed and treated successfully.

Beta thalassemia is a blood disorder in which the body has a problem producing beta globin, a component of hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that transports oxygen throughout the body.

Learn how this amazing muscle pumps blood throughout the body.

This minimally invasive procedure helps doctors perform diagnostic tests on the heart and even treat some heart conditions.

Cardiac stents are very small mesh wire tubes that hold blood vessels open so that blood can flow through the vessels normally. Find out about the procedure to place a stent.

Cardiomyopathy is when the heart muscle becomes weak and enlarged, which makes it difficult to pump blood through the body. There’s usually no cure for the condition in children, but it can be treated.

Most parents probably don't think about what cholesterol means for their kids. But high cholesterol is a risk factor for heart disease, which has its roots in childhood.

CLOVES syndrome is a very rare genetic disorder that causes vascular, skin, spinal, and bone or joint abnormalities.

Coarctation of the aorta (COA) is a narrowing of the aorta, the major blood vessel that carries blood away from the heart to the body.

Congenital heart defects involve abnormal or incomplete development of the heart. Many treatments are available for the defects and their related health problems.

A hemangioma is a growth of tangled blood vessels. A congenital hemangioma is one that a baby is born with. They're usually a bluish or purple circle or oval.

Double outlet right ventricle (DORV) is a heart defect where the aorta connects to the heart in the wrong place.

Ebstein anomaly is a rare heart defect that affects the tricuspid valve. It can cause problems that range from very mild to very serious.

An echocardiogram (also called an echo or cardiac ultrasound) uses sound waves to create pictures of the heart. It shows the structure of the heart and its parts and how well they’re working.

A fetal echocardiogram (also called a fetal echo) uses sound waves to create pictures of an unborn baby's heart.

An inherited condition, G6PD deficiency is when someone doesn't have enough of the enzyme G6PD, which protects red blood cells. Certain triggers can lead to anemia in kids who have G6PD deficiency.

Are you heart smart? Learn about this amazing muscle, including how to care for kids with heart conditions.

Heart murmurs are very common, and most are no cause for concern and won't affect a child's health.

A hemangioma is a growth of tangled blood vessels. Most hemangiomas grow larger for several months, then shrink slowly. Some will require treatment.

Hemophilia is a rare bleeding disorder that prevents the blood from clotting properly. With modern treatment, most kids who have it can lead full, healthy lives.

Most kids who develop this inflammation of the blood vessels (marked by a raised red and purple rash) make a full recovery and have no long-term problems.

This genetic disease causes the body to store too much iron. Over time, an iron build-up can be dangerous. Learn more about hemochromatosis.

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is usually associated with older people. But some kids do have it, and it can be life-threatening if left untreated.

Hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) is a heart defect in which the left side of the heart does not grow to its usual size and strength.

Congenital heart defects are relatively common, affecting almost 1 in every 100 newborns in the United States.

A hemangioma is a growth of tangled blood vessels. An infantile hemangioma becomes visible in the first few weeks after birth.

An interrupted aortic arch (IAA) is a rare heart condition in which the aorta doesn’t form completely. Surgery must be done within the first few days of a baby’s life to close the gap in the aorta.

Iron helps the body carry oxygen in the blood and plays a key role in brain and muscle function. Too little iron can lead to iron deficiency anemia. Read more here.

Kawasaki disease is most common among children of Japanese and Korean descent, but can affect all ethnic groups. The first symptom is a high fever that lasts for at least 5 days.

Long QT syndrome (LQTS) is a condition that affects the electrical system of the heart. Some kids have no symptoms, while others may feel changes in their heartbeat or feel lightheaded.

Lymphatic malformations are masses in the head or neck made of fluid-filled channels. They are abnormal growths, but they're benign (not cancerous).

Marfan syndrome affects the body's connective tissue and can cause problems in the eyes, joints, and heart. Even though the disease has no cure, doctors can successfully treat just about all of its symptoms.

Metabolic syndrome is a group of health problems that put kids at risk for heart disease and diabetes. With lifestyle changes, however, many kids are able to improve their health and reduce their risk of disease.

Mitral valve prolapse (MVP) is a very common heart condition, but it isn't a critical heart problem or a sign of other serious medical conditions.

The ductus arteriosus is a blood vessel that connects two major arteries before birth and normally closes after a baby is born. If it stays open, the result is a condition called patent ductus arteriosus (PDA).

The foramen ovale is a normal opening between the upper two chambers of an unborn baby’s heart. It usually closes soon after the baby’s birth — when it doesn't, it's called a patent foramen ovale.

For most kids, these birthmarks are no big deal — they're just part of who they are. Read about port-wine stains, how to care for them, and, if necessary, what treatments are available.

Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) happens when the autonomic nervous system — which controls things like heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing — doesn't work as it should.

Pulmonary stenosis means the pulmonary valve is too small, narrow, or stiff. Many people have no symptoms, but kids with more severe cases will need surgery so that blood flows properly through the body.

Pulse oximetry, a simple test that measures the amount of oxygen in the bloodstream, may give the first clue that there is a heart or lung problem.

Sickle cell disease is a blood disorder that makes red blood cells change shape and cause health problems. Find out how to help your child.

Stem cells help rebuild a weakened immune system. Stem cell transplants are effective treatments for a wide range of diseases, including cancer.

This "brain attack" happens when blood flow to the brain stops, even for a brief second. Signs and symptoms of strokes in kids are similar to those in adults.

Supraventricular tachycardia is a type of abnormal heart rhythm in which the heart beats very quickly.

Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) is a combination of problems caused by a birth defect that changes the way blood flows through the heart.

Tricuspid atresia is a congenital heart defect. A baby born with tricuspid atresia often has serious symptoms soon after birth because blood flow to the lungs is much less than normal.

Truncus arteriosus is a heart defect that happens when a child is born with one large artery instead of two separate arteries.

A venous malformation (VM) is a place in the body where veins haven't grown the right way. VMs can be difficult to treat.

Ventricular septal defect (VSD) — also known as a "hole in the heart" — is a congenital heart defect. Most VSDs are diagnosed and treated successfully.

Excessive or prolonged bleeding could be a sign of von Willebrand disease. Learn more about this genetic disorder that affects the blood's ability to clot.

If your child needs a heart transplant, you're probably feeling lots of emotions. Fortunately, many kids who undergo heart transplants go on to live normal, healthy lives.

A guide to medical terms about the heart and circulatory system. In an easy A-Z format, find definitions on heart defects, heart conditions, treatments, and more.

If your child has blood in the urine, don't panic. Most of the time it's not serious. Find out what causes it and what to do about it.

Glomerulonephritis happens when tiny filtering units in the kidneys stop working properly. Most cases get better on their own or with treatment.

Most kids who develop this inflammation of the blood vessels (marked by a raised red and purple rash) make a full recovery and have no long-term problems.

The kidneys play a critical role in health. When something goes wrong, it could indicate a kidney disease. What are kidney diseases, and how can they be treated?

Kidney stones mostly happen to adults, but sometimes kids and teens can get them. Find out what kidney stones are, how to treat them, and ways to help prevent them.

Nephrotic syndrome happens when tiny filtering units in the kidneys stop working properly. This can cause weight gain and other symptoms. Most kids eventually outgrow it.

Recurrent urinary tract infections can cause kidney damage if left untreated, especially in kids under age 6. Here's how to recognize the symptom of UTIs and get help for your child.

This kidney problem causes acid levels in the blood to become too high, causing fatigue, muscle weakness, and other kidney problems. The condition is usually treatable.

This emergency condition causes extreme genital pain and usually requires surgery to save a boy's testicle. If your son has groin pain, get him to a doctor right away.

This problem with the urinary tract causes urine to flow backward from the bladder to the kidneys. Most cases can be treated effectively, and many kids outgrow the condition.

Parents of kids who have a chronic kidney disease often worry about what might happen next, how their child feels, and what treatments are likely to be involved. Find answers here.

If your child needs a kidney transplant, you're probably feeling lots of emotions. Fortunately, many kids who undergo kidney transplants go on to live normal, healthy lives.

Wilms tumor is a cancer of the kidneys that usually affects newborns and the very young. Fortunately, most kids with Wilms tumor survive and go on to live normal, healthy lives.

ADHD is a common medical condition that can affect kids at school, at home, and in friendships. This article is for parents who want to learn more about ADHD and how to help kids get the best diagnosis and care.

Medicine doesn’t cure ADHD. But it does help boost a child's ability to pay attention, slow down, and have more self-control. This article for parents has details on how ADHD medicines help.

Autism affects a child's ability to communicate and learn. Early intervention and treatment can help kids improve skills and do their best.

Neurocutaneous syndromes are genetic disorders that lead to tumor growth in various parts of the body. Learn how to maximize the quality of life for children with these diseases.

Therapy is part of the treatment for most kids and teens diagnosed with ADHD. This article helps parents learn what to expect and how therapy works.

Dyslexia is a learning disability that makes it hard to learn to read and understand written language. Even kids with average or above-average intelligence can have dyslexia.

Apnea of prematurity (AOP) is a condition in which premature infants stop breathing for 15 to 20 seconds during sleep. AOP usually goes away on its own as a baby matures.

Asthma makes it hard to breathe. But with treatment, the condition can be managed so that kids can still do the things they love. Learn all about asthma.

Babies who are born prematurely or who experience respiratory problems shortly after birth are at risk for bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), sometimes called chronic lung disease.

Cystic fibrosis (CF), a genetic disorder that particularly affects the lungs and digestive system, makes kids who have it more vulnerable to repeated lung infections.

In addition to extra calories, kids with cystic fibrosis have some specific nutritional needs. Find out ways to help your child with CF grow healthy and strong.

An incentive spirometer trains people to take slow, deep breaths. It's used during recovery from some types of surgery or as a way to manage illness. Find out how it works.

Asthma control can take a little time and energy to master, but it's worth the effort. Learn more about ways to manage your child's asthma.

Meconium aspiration can happen before, during, or after labor and delivery when a newborn inhales a mixture of meconium and amniotic fluid. Although it can be serious, most cases are not.

Pulse oximetry, a simple test that measures the amount of oxygen in the bloodstream, may give the first clue that there is a heart or lung problem.

For some newborns, the first few breaths of life may be more faster and more labored than normal because of a lung condition called transient tachypnea of the newborn (TTN).

See: Candidiasis.

Boys with this condition have an extra "X" chromosome that prevents them from developing normally during puberty. But hormone treatments, counseling, and other therapies can help.

For a girl, getting her first period is a sign of becoming a woman. But it can also be confusing, particularly if she has certain menstrual problems.

Miscarriages are common, and in most cases aren't preventable. But you can take steps to increase your chances of having a healthy pregnancy.

Precocious puberty - the onset of signs of puberty before age 7 or 8 in girls and age 9 for boys - can be physically and emotionally difficult for children and can sometimes be the sign of an underlying health problem.

This emergency condition causes extreme genital pain and usually requires surgery to save a boy's testicle. If your son has groin pain, get him to a doctor right away.

Girls with Turner syndrome, a genetic condition, usually are shorter than average and infertile due to early loss of ovarian function. Early diagnosis and treatments can help most of them.

Vaginal yeast infections are common among growing girls, and can cause some pain and discomfort. They usually clear up quickly with proper medical treatment.

The idea of going to the gynecologist may make your daughter feel nervous. Here's how to make her feel more comfortable.

A night terror seems similar to a nightmare, but it's far more dramatic. Night terrors can be alarming, but aren't usually cause for concern or a sign of a medical issue.

Brief pauses in breathing during sleep can be normal. But when breathing stops often or for longer periods, it can be a cause for concern.

Does your teen have trouble falling asleep at night? Is he or she sleepy during the day? Find out if it's just a normal part of adolescence, or if something else is to blame.

Although it can be unnerving to see, sleepwalking is actually very common in kids. Here's how to keep your young sleepwalker safe.